Mussolini comes to power, October 1922.

Extracts from this document...

Introduction

Mussolini comes to power, October 1922 Since September 1922, rumours of an imminent fascist march on Rome had been circulating. This followed a general surge of support for the fascist movement after the taking over of local government and dispersing of socialist councils by the fascists during the summer. Liberal politicians had been giving serious consideration to the incorporation of Mussolini into a new government, but Mussolini had rejected this, stating that he would assume the position of Prime Minister or not be a part of government at all. On the 16th of October, Mussolini and other leading fascists agreed to stage an insurrection. On the 24th, a fascist congress decided to organise a march on Rome with the intention of seizing power. Fascist squads were to take over key buildings and areas in north and central Italy, and others were to assemble on the 27th outside of Rome, to march into the city the following day. Mussolini made it abundantly clear that the fascists would either be offered control of the country or take it by force. Mussolini was initially doubtful with regards to the march, and hoped that he might be appointed through peaceful, legal means. ...read more.

Middle

He was also influenced by the fact that his mother was a fascist sympathiser, as was the duke of Aosta, his cousin. This led to the fear of a potential rival monarch should he oppose fascism, particularly if it succeeded and he was swept away, only to be replaced by his cousin. This added an extra dimension to the dilemma that the King faced. His pessimistic outlook led him to believe (seemingly mistakenly) that the army would not be able to cope adequately with the fascist threat. On top of this, he had received conflicting reports about the attitude of the army towards the fascist movement. Some of his generals were deeply involved in the organisation, while others opposed it. Finally, he feared that the divide in terms of attitude towards the fascists might lead to a rift within the country, perhaps even civil war. This was arguably the main factor that influenced his ultimate stance with regards to the fascists and Mussolini, in that he could not be responsible for such conflict. All of these factors contributed to the ultimate decisions made by King Victor Emmanuel. ...read more.

Conclusion

The socialists did not order a strike in protest at Mussolini's new position, and some even accepted it as it represented the demise of liberal government. Members of the elite, such as major industrialists and agriculturalists, advocated a Mussolini-led government and this, in particular the financial support it entailed, was important to the fascists. Despite the early anti-church stance of the Fascist movement, Mussolini had become friendly with the pope, Pius XI, who had previously allowed the display of fascist banners in church and stressed the need for a peaceful settlement of the political situation on October. The support of the head of the catholic church was inevitably an extremely important tool in terms of gaining support for Mussolini, due to the huge number of catholics within the country. In other areas able to influence the populace, the liberal press supported fascist violence in that it was a solution to anarchy. The intellectual classes lent their support to fascism as a way of 'cleansing' Italy and restoring its former glory. Support came, in some shape or form, from many important areas within the country, although the fascists were definitely not swept to power through popular support. Mussolini's individual charisma played a large part in fascist popularity rather than deep conviction in the ideologies of fascism as a movement. ?? ?? ?? ?? Jack Tunstall ...read more.

Related AS and A Level Modern European History, 1789-1945 essays

However, financial problems were pressing. With a budget very greatly out of balance, with a rapidly rising national debt and an inflated national currency, the Italian state was confronted by imminent bankruptcy. The Fascists instituted economies and reforms. Taxes were increased until, in proportion to the national income, they became the heaviest in the world.

HHh For example the most significant mistake was made by Giolitti in his 1922 electoral pact with Mussolini. He was cleverly persuaded by Mussolini to fight the election together and not stand in each other's way.

As his opposition were so divided, they chose the latter. Mussolini went on to say he would set up the beginnings of a dictatorship 'within the next 48 hours after this speech.' This was the ultimate consolidation of Fascist power, as Mussolini was not met with any opposition, only vigorous, prolonged applause.

By now, the Fascists had gained not only the support of industrialists and the elite, but also the Pope. Mussolini became more respectable in the eyes of Italians with more power and developed a good impression. The main reason why Fascism was successful was the fear that the Socialists had created.

would have definitely influenced the King's decision, and as Mussolini was proving himself to be a strong leader as opposed to the weak liberals, Mack-smith's argument makes more sense. Attributing the King's decision to veto martial law down to the apparent support for the monarchy is portrayed through Mussolini's speeches.

With Italy suffering from economic decline, mass unemployment and a considerable decrease in Italian tourism and export trade, the country was left poor and in debt with its people searching for a way out. They blamed the government's weak foreign policy for the loss of the land they incurred from